Chapter 14
fourteen
JUDE
Greer finds deep sleep within minutes. I kiss the top of her head, memorizing the smell of us.
I shutter my own eyes and rest my palm on her ass, relishing in the warmth of her body.
I loathe having to leave her. The thought of it makes me feel like I can’t pull air into my lungs.
All I want is to be right here in this bed.
The protection runs are a large chunk of my income. Being reassigned for another lucrative assignment is one thing, not working is another.
I wasn’t counting on leaving her so soon, hoping the fights would keep me here. Maybe it was just wishful thinking.
At least she’s mine, marked, claimed…potentially pregnant with our child.
I meant to pull out, or at least that’s what I told myself.
Then, buried in my woman for the first time, the idea of withdrawing from her warmth became absurd.
The potential of a pregnancy wasn’t a deterrent in the least. I thought she’d be furious, but she’s not said a word.
Maybe it’s the wrong time in her cycle to conceive?
I should feel bad for not pulling out after assuring her she didn’t have to worry, but I can’t conjure up even the slightest bit of remorse.
Hank’s barking starts up again, going from playful to urgent. He’s going to wake up Greer. I slide out of bed and throw on my pants and shirt.
Hank is waiting at the door of a doggie playpen that’s decked out with every comfort imaginable… a bed and fluffy blanket, toys, treats. Greer’s a good mom.
As I quietly approach, he starts to whimper, eyeing the pee pads with a puppy pout. “Wanna go outside?” I ask.
I hunch down to open the door to the enclosure, and the little guy comes straight to me. With his gray bat ears, he looks like the alien from Lilo and Stitch. Instead of walking out, he sits for a moment on his bottom, staring at me. “C’mere…”
Hank takes three steps forward and looks at me expectantly. “It’s okay buddy, I’m your dad.” Lifting him carefully by his bottom, I rub the soft fur on his ears. “We’re gonna talk to Mama about trying to make you pee on those things. In the meantime, let’s find your leash.”
There’s no dog collar, but I find a blue harness and a nylon leash on a hook by the door. With the dog quietened down, I sneak back into the bedroom, Hank in my hand. With a glance at the bed, I make sure Greer’s asleep before pulling open the nightstand drawer. Bingo.
Inspecting the collection of toys, I take note of the brands.
There’s a rechargeable wand, a small clit stimulator, and cheap lube.
Oh, Baby Doll, we can do much better than this.
The image of Greer using the toys while thinking of another man flashes into my mind, making my newfound grimness rise from my soul.
I swoop up the toys and lube, bringing them with me. Did another man use them with her? Did he imagine for one second she was actually his? I feel a sick satisfaction as I toss them straight into the kitchen trash.
As I collect the half-empty bag, I consider my options of toys with Greer. I start to grow hard again while I imagine the things we can do together with a wand.
I might buy one of those remote controlled toys too.
I grab the keys on the counter, locking the door behind myself, and carry him downstairs with the garbage. I throw any remnants of Greer’s previous sex life into the dumpster where it belongs. My girl wants to fly solo while I’m on a run? Not without me watching, and only with our toys.
My mood light, I let Hank lead me across the street to the park. When my phone pings, I half expect it to be Greer asking where we are. Instead, it’s my sister.
Willa
We need to talk
Jude
I’ll catch up with you in a bit.
Willa
We know you were at the marina last night. Rob’s threatening to call the cops.
Jude
For what? Visiting my family’s business?
Willa
This isn’t something to be flippant about. I had to beg him to wait until I spoke to you.
Jude
Lets meet up at Polly’s diner in an hour?
My brother-in-law's threat to go to the cops is fruitless at best. What’s he going to say?
That I showed up and poked around? I own half the business for fuck sake.
Rob’s just upsetting my sister with his antics.
It’s better to smooth things over before leaving town. So much for my peaceful nap with Greer.
My neck feels tense from clenching my teeth as my son sniffs around and relieves himself. My brother-in-law, Rob, is an ever growing problem. There are more important things to take care of before I deal with his bullshit.
I find the insulin pump supplies under the front seat of Greer’s car. I carry Hank and the box up the stairs, then put him back in his playpen with his toys.
After scribbling a quick note to Greer, I leave her pump supplies on the counter, with the piece of paper. Next to the candle, there’s a single brass key left out. I match it up to the one on Greer’s keychain, then try it on the lock, happy to see it works.
It’s better to beg for forgiveness than ask for permission. But then, I’m not apologizing for taking a key. If this is Greer’s home, it’s our home, just like Hank is now ours. Same goes for anything that’s mine.
Except my bike. Some boundaries are important in any relationship.
Looking at Hank, I tell him, “Be a good boy for your Mom.”